Following overnight attacks on its nuclear facilities, reportedly by Israel, Iran asserted Friday that it will continue its nuclear programs, even as the U.S. apparently seeks to meet with Iranian representatives on Sunday.
In a statement, Tehran said the Israeli strike demonstrated its “right to enrichment and nuclear technology and missile capability.”
The statement also argued that Israel’s actions proved it was the aggressor and a threat to regional security, thereby legitimizing Iran’s position.
These comments come after the Israeli strike that killed several officials, including four , one purportedly involved in nuclear talks with the U.S., and two nuclear scientists, as well as a rebuke from the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, which declared Iran in violation of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost two decades on Thursday.
Despite this formal censure over its nuclear violations, including significant stockpiles of near-weapons-grade uranium, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Tehran’s intention to continue uranium enrichment, a major sticking point in ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions.
Friday quoted an Iranian political head saying, “The cowardly nocturnal operation while the diplomatic process on the nuclear issue of Iran was underway is a sign of this regime’s fear of Iran’s power of persuasion and defense for the world.”
According to Iranian political figures, the recent strikes signal that Tehran will cease nuclear negotiations with Washington, D.C., and a scheduled meeting with Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman on Sunday has been canceled.
However, the Trump administration has neither confirmed nor denied these claims, and the Iranian regime has remained silent.
When asked about Iran’s alleged withdrawal from nuclear talks, a U.S. official stated, “We still hope to have talks.”
Neither the White House nor the State Department has yet responded to Digital’s inquiries regarding the potential talks.
President is scheduled to convene a security meeting at 11 a.m. on Friday, where the future of the talks is expected to be discussed.
Rich Edson contributed to this report.
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